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Possible Changes in Medicare Costs IN 2016

Although the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has not yet announced changes for 2016, the following might be expected, based on preliminary information released:

Monthly Medicare premium – The standard Part B premium of $104.90, which has not changed the past three years, is likely to increase in January 2016 for many beneficiaries. It is still possible for the Secretary of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services to intervene to temper the increases. If that does not happen, Medicare premiums could look like this, based on current reports:

Beneficiaries receiving Social Security retirement benefits – $104.90 (no change, since retirement benefits are projected to include no cost-of-living increase).

Beneficiaries not receiving Social Security retirement benefits and with Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) below $85,000 for single tax filers and below $170,000 for joint filers – $159.30, a 52% increase.

Beneficiaries with MAGI above these thresholds – between $233.00 and $509.80, including Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), compared to a range of $146.90 to $335.70 in 2015. There could also be increases in the IRMAA for Part D.

Part B deductible – Also unchanged the past three years, the current deductible of $147 may increase, but no announcement has been made. Of course, beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage and many Medicare Supplement plans would not be subject to payment of this amount. However, it would undoubtedly be reflected in increased Medicare Supplement premium rates upon renewal.

Part A out-of-pocket costs for inpatient care – These costs – currently $1,260 per stay of 1-60 days, $315 per day for days 61-90, and $630 per day for each of 30 lifetime reserve days – typically rise by modest amounts each year and will likely increase in 2016.

Part D coverage gap – The amount of drug cost that sends a beneficiary into the coverage gap and the amount of out-of-pocket cost at which the beneficiary leaves the gap will both rise in 2016. The percentage of the cost of generics while in the gap will slightly decrease, and the copay amounts paid for both brands and generics once out of the gap will slightly increase.